S07 → N400
The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected
SPIKE 65
→ RAZZLE DAZZLE.
© 1. Maurice L. Freedman / 2. Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives — USS West Mahomet in dazzle camouflage (1918) / 3. U.S. Navy — The La Galissonnière-class cruiser Gloire off the coast of Naples, Italy during World War II. Gloire served with the Free French Navy during World War II / 4. John Everett — Colored drawing of the SS Lepanto in dazzle camouflage (1918) / 5. Windmill Books UIG — HMS Argus / 6. unknown — Photograph of the RMS Olympic (HMT for wartime service) taken when it was decorated with maritime camouflage to serve its country in World War I as a military transport ship / 7. Naval History and Heritage Command — USS NEBRASKA (BB-14) (1918) / 8. Arthur Lismer — Olympic with Returned Soldiers / 9. Keystone/Getty Images — A US Navy Patrol Torpedo boat (1944) / 10. Granger/Bridgeman Images — The zebra-striped British transport ship 'Osterly' decked out in flags in New York Harbor to celebrate the signing of the armistice, 11 November 1918 / 11. unknown — Postcard from RMS Olympic (1923) / 12. Imperial War Museum — Felixstowe N4297 in flight (1917-1918) / 13. Norman Wilkinson/Encyclopædia Britannica — Plate illustrating the “dazzle painting” method of camouflaging ships to make their orientation less apparent (1922).
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Razzle dazzle patterns typically consist of bold, contrasting geometric shapes, stripes, and colours painted on the ship’s hull and superstructure. These patterns create optical illusions and visual confusion, making it difficult for enemy observers to determine the ship’s size, shape, and orientation, especially at a distance or in varying light conditions. Although razzle dazzle did not provide actual concealment or protection from enemy attacks, it was believed to reduce the accuracy of enemy fire and torpedo attacks by complicating the visual identification and targeting process. The effectiveness of razzle dazzle as a defensive strategy remains a subject of debate among historians and military experts, with some arguing that its impact on combat outcomes was limited, while others believe it contributed to saving lives and protecting valuable assets during wartime.
Beyond its practical purpose of confusing enemy observers, razzle dazzle also had a psychological effect on the crews of the camouflaged ships. Sailors and officers aboard these vessels often reported feeling a sense of pride and confidence in their brightly decorated ships. The bold patterns and vibrant colours helped boost morale and instil a sense of camaraderie among the crew members, who saw their ship as not just a tool of war but also a symbol of innovation.
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→ Sourced from: SYSTEM 03 (Specteore)
→ Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository
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→ Search log: Google images / Wikipedia / Dazzle Ships
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